FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Methodist University Nursing School to establish a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), an innovative clinical education model that provides nursing students with enhanced, hands-on learning experiences.

DEUs create a collaborative partnership between academic institutions and health care organizations, allowing nursing students to work closely with clinical staff and educators in real-world health care settings.

“The DEU model elevates the clinical experience by embedding students as active members of the care team,” said Kivana Keane, education and professional development coordinator for FirstHealth, in a press release. “It provides more intensive training compared to the traditional model, where one clinical instructor supervises a group of six to eight students. By working directly alongside our staff, students gain a more immersive and meaningful learning opportunity.”

Through this partnership, FirstHealth and Methodist University aim to not only improve the student learning experience but also support future workforce development. The program aligns with FirstHealth’s strategic efforts to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts by cultivating talent early and building strong relationships with students.

“Thanks to the support and innovative thinking of North Carolina Area Health Education Centers, Methodist University (MU) and FirstHealth, we have created an academic nursing clinical practice partnership to enhance the supply and retention of registered nurses in North Carolina,” said Shannon Matthews, DNP, MSN, R.N., chair and director of nursing and associate professor of nursing at Methodist University, in a press release. “The project aims to increase job satisfaction and retention among nursing staff, integrate nursing graduates into the workforce, and ensure ongoing mentorship and professional development. Early results show promising improvements in clinical vacancy rates and student engagement at MU.”

The DEU is expected to benefit both students and the health care organization, as it encourages collaboration, builds critical thinking skills and fosters long-term professional development.

“With this collaboration, the Dedicated Education Units for Nursing Education provide an opportunity where knowledge meets compassion, creating an inspiring environment for future nurses and health care professionals to learn, grow and make a lasting impact on patient care,” added Sabrina Pope, DNP, MSN-Ed., R.N., assistant professor of nursing and clinical coordinator/instructor of nursing at Methodist University, in a press release.

The new DEU launched in September with nursing students from Methodist University joining various clinical teams at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.